Jenks Carbine

[UCVRelics]

That's actually what I'm thinking too. It looks almost like the top two edges and a shadow of the bottom curve.

Nice Jenks a little baby powder will bring it out but I'm also leaning 1845

 

[JOHN42768]

Hi all,

New to the collection is a Jenks "mule ear" Carbine. Used in the Mexican War then later reissued for the civil war after updating/enlarging the breech feed hole for the cartridges. It's a well used example with only a partial stamp remaining on the rear of the lockplate and on top of the barrel. Unfortunately I can't make out the date. 18, a barely visible 4, but nothing after that. Can see the USN though. Only other stamps are two very small 'R's under the trigger guard bow and to its rear. Strong action and only minor dings in the wood but no cartouches visible either. I'm surprised how light it feels compared to other carbines.
I can't find a lot of info on these but I'd imagine they were only used as ship's weapons in the ACW although the Marines used them in the Mexican War?
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Thought these might help for comparison of the font used. An 1845 & 1846. Looking at these I go with 1845. Also found one of my notes regarding rifling and conversion to accept paper cartridge. This was part of a 1500 piece Navy order and occurred in 1861.